Government backs music practice plans

The Government hopes to breathe life into British music by backing a national network of practice rooms.

It has announced it agrees with the suggestion from Feargal Sharkey's Live Music Forum and has now commissioned him to set up the network.

In a report Sharkey and other industry figures said a lack of affordable and well-equipped rehearsal studios was stunting bands and culture.

A pilot project in Wrexham saw a space converted, decked out with instruments and equipment and used by more than 700 people in three months.

Culture Secretary James Purnell commented: "Every band has to start somewhere. But too often that somewhere is their parents' garage or the spare room.

"I want young musicians - however good they are - to have access to a professional studio. This is about inspiring young people to take up music, giving them an outlet for their creativity and getting them off the streets."